In a sweeping move aimed at reforming government spending and bolstering immigration enforcement, the Trump administration has announced a major crackdown on illegal immigrants accessing federally funded benefits. The policy, which forms part of President Donald Trump’s broader “America First” agenda, is expected to save taxpayers billions of dollars and restrict undocumented individuals from utilizing over a dozen federal programs.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers outlined the administration’s position. “Illegal immigrants will no longer be able to steal public benefits at the expense of hardworking American taxpayers,” he said. “That ends now. Under President Trump, it’s America first—always.”
The initiative comes on the heels of the passage of Trump’s landmark legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a comprehensive tax and spending reform package that includes provisions specifically targeting welfare access by non-citizens. The act is designed to eliminate fraud, reduce government waste, and prioritize resources for American citizens and lawful residents.
According to administration officials, the restricted programs represent over $40 billion in federal spending and are primarily overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Additional restrictions will be implemented across agencies including the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Justice.
Among the programs now off-limits to illegal immigrants are:
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Head Start and other early childhood education initiatives
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Federal family planning programs
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Substance abuse prevention and treatment services
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Health workforce development programs, including student loan assistance and scholarships for medical professionals
These benefits, the administration argues, were being exploited by individuals without legal status, placing unnecessary strain on American taxpayers and reducing access for U.S. citizens in need.
The most controversial element of the reform involves Medicaid, the federal health insurance program for low-income individuals. While critics have argued that the bill could reduce access to care, the White House has strongly pushed back.
“This bill protects Medicaid for those who truly deserve this program,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. “That includes pregnant women, children, the elderly, and Americans who are sick and unable to work. It ensures that able-bodied adults who can work are actually contributing at least 20 hours a week, so that we can protect this safety net for those who really need it.”
Conservatives have applauded the move, calling it long overdue and necessary to restore fairness and fiscal responsibility in federal spending. On the other hand, civil rights groups and progressive lawmakers have decried the policy as inhumane and discriminatory.
Still, the Trump administration insists that these reforms are in line with the president’s promise to put Americans first, curb illegal immigration, and cut bloated government spending. As President Trump’s second term advances, the administration shows no sign of backing down from its hardline stance on immigration and entitlement reform.
“This is about protecting the integrity of our welfare system,” Rogers said. “And making sure that every dollar goes to an American who earned it.”
